The first chill of fall brings more than just changing leaves—it marks the start of football season. For restaurant and bar owners, this is a golden opportunity. Capitalizing on football season is about creating an experience that fans can’t get at home. It involves more than just turning on the TV; it’s about building an atmosphere, offering irresistible deals, and making every game day an event.
Build An Unbeatable Game Day Atmosphere
Before you can draw a crowd, you need to set the stage. The right atmosphere is crucial for making your bar the most desirable place to watch the game.
Invest in High-Quality Audio-Visuals: No one wants to watch a crucial play on a grainy screen or strain to hear the commentary. Investing in large, high-definition TVs is non-negotiable. Arrange them strategically so that every seat in the house has a clear view of the action.
Deck Out Your Space: Get into the spirit by decorating your bar. Use colors and logos of local or popular teams to show your support. You can hang banners, flags, and posters. Even small touches like team-colored napkins or coasters can make a big difference. This visual commitment shows patrons that you’re serious about football, creating a more immersive and exciting environment.
Craft A Winning Game Day Menu
Food and drinks are central to the football viewing experience. A special game day menu can entice customers and significantly boost your sales.
Offer Themed Specials: Create a menu of classic, crowd-pleasing football snacks. Think wings, nachos, sliders, and loaded fries. You can get creative by naming dishes after famous players, teams, or football terms, like “First Down Fries” or “The Touchdown Trio.”
Run Drink Promotions: Game day is synonymous with beer. Offer specials on domestic and craft beers, such as discounted pitchers or bucket deals. You can also create signature cocktails with football-themed names or colors. Don’t forget to include non-alcoholic options, like festive mocktails, to cater to all guests.
Engage Your Customers During The Game
Keeping your patrons engaged throughout the game is key to building loyalty and ensuring they come back week after week.
Run Game-Time Contests: Make the viewing experience more interactive with contests and giveaways. You could run a “guess the final score” pool, give away a free drink for every touchdown scored by the home team, or host a weekly football trivia during halftime.
Foster a Sense of Community: Encourage a friendly, communal atmosphere. Train your staff to be enthusiastic and engaging, celebrating big plays with the crowd. Consider starting a “Mug Club” or a loyalty program for regulars, offering them exclusive perks. When customers feel like they’re part of a community, they’re more likely to become loyal patrons.
Quikstone Capital Solutions has officially reached its 20th anniversary, a moment that reflects two decades of dedication to supporting small businesses across the country. If you need cash for your business, contact us today. We have only one goal: to help your business succeed.
